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4 People Rescued After Boat Slams Into Pier On Patapsco River

BALTIMORE (WJZ)— High speeds, poor visibility and no radar. These factors are being blamed for a terrible boating accident on the Patapsco River that landed three people in the hospital.

Kai Jackson has more on the crash and those on board.

Two of the victims remain hospitalized, including one at Shock Trauma.

Tense moments on the water after a boating accident in the Patapsco River near the Key Bridge. The Coast Guard released its recording of efforts to help the stranded boaters. Nearby fishermen made the calls for help.

“That good Samaritan last night probably saved some lives,” said U.S. Coast Guard Lieutenant Christopher Burrus.

The Coast Guard says a 40-food Sea Ray cruiser struck a concrete pier around 9:45 p.m. Sunday. The four people on the boat had to be rescued. Three were rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. They included the owner and operator of the boat, 43-year-old Jerry Redman from Severn.

“Extensive damage to the bow of the boat. The first 10 feet of the bow was crushed on impact,” said Dale Plummer, tow boat operator.

The response to help the boaters in the accident was swift. In addition to the Coast Guard, it included Maryland Natural Resources Police, Baltimore County Police and local fire departments.

The Coast Guard determined the boat was traveling at a high rate of speed out of the channel and in limited visibility with radar off. Investigators say as it rounded a corner of the Patapsco River near Bear Creek, it slammed into a concrete piling.

“Every good Samaritan’s ability to provide assistance immediately helps save lives just as fast, probably faster, than we can get on the scene,” Burrus said.

Ironically, this is National Safe Boating Week.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters to be familiar with their surroundings and have personal flotation devices for everyone on board. National Safe Boating Week runs through this Saturday. For more information, follow these links: Boat U.S. , Safe Boating, and Safe Boating Campaign.